Although I’d always stay in usual hotels in Penang, I don’t mind trying out new ones such as this; Four Points by Sheraton Penang which is located at Tanjung Bungah. It is quite far from the city centre but it had (and still having) Opening Celebration Offer and the price is pretty attractive especially since it is by Sheraton management.

Slightly off from the heart of Penang, this newly opened hotel is situated along the beach. It has undergone extensive overhaul and refurbishment to bring back to life. The main colours adopted by them are bright and bold making it lively, clean and cheerful.

They have this large, open concept whereby the lobby and reception area have full ocean view. At the same (ground) level is where the swimming pool and eateries are located. There are only 6 floors, which is a good thing, but parking lots in front of the hotel are really limited.

At arrival, the check in process was slightly sluggish as they were having trouble locating available room. It took about 20 minutes or so before they found a room with a sea view. Nonetheless, the staffs on that day were really helpful and great while trying to be accommodating to their frustrated guests.

Note : Although it costs slightly more, always book a room with sea view at higher level because you will be rewarded with great ocean view and serenity.

Well furnished and clean, the room has all the noteworthy attributes to make one’s stay comfortable. Big comfortable bed with soft, fluffy pillows, built-in window sofa/couch, LG LCD tv and dressing/working table are in place without sacrificing much space.

The room may not be as big as I thought it would be, but I was pretty satisfied and relieved that it is not fully carpeted. I particularly like the sofa/couch because it is comfortable and that’s where I get to daydream while looking out the window.

Safe deposit box, ironing board, iron and digital weighing scale are found in the cupboard while the small fridge is located at the mini bar section where kettle, packets of coffee and tea, sugars, creamers and complimentary water are arranged neatly.

Internet addicts would be happy to know that free WiFi is provided and the speed is pretty decent with fairly strong signal.

The bathroom consists of wet and dry area with a glass panel standing their way. There is no rain showerhead but the water pressure is pretty strong at all times. Basic toiletries are provided; shampoo, body shampoo, conditioner, lotion and what’s not.

One of the pet peeves I had was their bath towels. Though they are soft, gentle to the skin, they are the most non-absorbent towel I have ever used. The other pet peeve was the dustbin. Not sure if it’s part of their plan (or maybe slight teething problem) but there was none in the room, not even in the bathroom.

Overall, I like this hotel despite its location – about 15 minutes to the city centre. From the aesthetic design to the comfort the room exudes, it is perfect for those who seek for some quiet time. It may not be as cheap compared to others, but it will be one of the hotels I’d consider when I am in Penang for holidays.

After this session, my hunt for good prawn mee in Klang Valley has brought me to this place. I got to know of this stall via this post moons ago and have been longing to try it ever since. It took quite awhile to arrive and locate this place as it is located deep end of Jalan Ipoh, somewhat really close to Kepong.

To get a parking spot at this area is akin to get a spot at Mid Valley during peak hours. It is either you have to walk far or park illegally turn circles until you found one. The other challenge is to locate this particular stall as it is embedded in a sea of hawker stalls along the road. But fret not as photos of celebrities plastered all over the stall scream out loud that you have arrived at the right stall.

From various posts I read, there will be stream of customers during peak hours. And because of this, my friend and I were there around 6PM with little customers at the stall – even after we left around 645PM, there were still empty tables. Maybe it was due to rainy day, I don’t know.

While there was normal portion, we went for the grand big stuff; ie. prawn mee with extra (big) prawns which costs RM10.50. The bowl of noodles arrived with two fresh prawns. Beneath them were smaller halved prawns, sliced pork, fried shallots, kangkung (water convolvulus / water spinach), bean sprouts and noodles. Whilst I wished for it to be ‘heavier taste’, the broth was okay; bit murky and slightly spicy with hints of prawn essence. I added a couple spoons of their homemade chilli paste to turn up a notch.

Apart from prawn mee, we ordered a portion of fried kuey teow (RM5) from the same stall. I do not know what got into me as I subconsciously ordered yellow & flat noodles as opposed to flat noodles (kuey teow) only. Despite its existence of wok hei (breath of wok) and generous amount of bean sprouts, the taste was somewhat lacking. Perhaps, I am too spoilt used to this one that any other char kuey teow doesn’t make the cut.

So… is it worth the time to arrive here for a bowl of prawn mee. Maybe… if there aren’t any good ones during the night. Is it worth paying RM10 for the big prawns? Maybe not. Just stick to the normal ones.